February 20 – Ezra – Ezra 7-9

Ezra leads a group of the Jew back to Jerusalem.  King Artaxerxes writes Ezra to appoint him as a minister of religious affairs.  The king grants Ezra whatever is needed to allow the Jews to worship God as they wish.  In chapter 7 verse 27, Ezra begins praising the Lord for placing such things in the king’s heart.  Ezra mixes worship and prayer in all that he does.  He is a good example of taking advantage of opportunity when it arises.  We should not only be praying for opportunity, and looking for opportunity, but also willing to get involved when opportunity arises.  

Here is a great example of God working in the hearts of government leaders for the cause of Christ.  It is important to pray for our government leaders.